Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has taken a decisive step to address the city's long-standing waste management crisis by strictly enforcing the 'No Segregation, No Collection' policy. This move signals the end of lax implementation for a regulation that has existed for over two decades.
A Necessary Wake-Up Call for a Burdened City
In a direct meeting with Department of Public Services (DPS) workers, Mayor Archival made it clear that the days of unclear and loose compliance are over. The city, suffering from the environmental and economic weight of its garbage, can no longer afford to treat waste as a mere disposal problem. The strict enforcement of this law is not just an option but a necessary action for the community's welfare.
Transforming Trash into Treasure and Economic Opportunity
The city's drive for proper waste segregation stems from a fundamental truth: garbage is an untapped resource. Every kilo of unsegregated waste dumped in the landfill represents a significant financial loss for Cebu City. The city spends substantial funds on hauling and dumping materials that could otherwise be sold and recycled.
Plastics that could feed the recycling industry and biodegradable waste that could be converted into fertilizer are instead buried and wasted. Landfill space is finite, and filling it with recyclables creates a major problem for future generations.
A New Model: From Problem to Livelihood
Mayor Archival's initiative includes a promising proposal: for the government to purchase biodegradable waste from communities for use as agricultural fertilizer. This approach is expected to incentivize every resident to properly collect and sell their organic waste. This shift in perspective turns waste management from a burdensome problem into a potential source of income.
The announcement of this renewed enforcement drive comes with a final warning period. Full and strict implementation of the law will begin on January 15, 2026. The hope is that the policy's "teeth" remain sharp indefinitely, as its proper execution promises benefits for every citizen. With consistent enforcement, the day will come when every resident realizes that there is, indeed, money to be made from trash.
